Short: Endorphins
Like any addiction, there is an endorphin rush when fed, then a drop afterwards that causes a sort of depression. Just as some folks are addicted to food, sex or drugs, we are continually seeking the next high. For some, it's the search and discovery of the next great thing, or it's finding a long-desired missing piece of a collection, others it's just seeing pictures of really cool things.
I think we all are just using our historical dependence on knives as justification for the object of our addiction. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm sure the flashlight folks use our historical dependence on fire as justification, or for watches, the need to know the changing of time, as related to survival. Or, for purses (or maxpedition bags, backpacks, etc.) as a need to have something to gather things needed to survive. Sure, the basis of our addiction is rooted in almost genetic predispositions towards survival, but the biological response to the rush of achieving goals is what keeps us coming back for more than our minimal needed requirements.
I think it's been nailed down by the majority of the folks responding. It's an innate need that is satisfied by a man-made object that brings about a good feeling.
Anyway, this is just a bunch of B. S. that I made up on the spot.
